Bangladesh’s Solar-Powered Floating Schools Win UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025

Bangladesh’s innovative solar-powered floating school initiative has received international recognition as Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha formally accepted the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy 2025 for bringing education to children and communities in the flood-prone Chalan Beel wetlands.

The award was presented at a ceremony organized by UNESCO Dhaka, attended by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj as the chief guest.

Special guests included Debabrata Chakrabarty, Acting Director General of the Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE), and Rasheda K. Choudhury, Executive Director of CAMPE. The event was chaired by Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative and Head of Office in Bangladesh.

At the beginning of the program, Norihide Furukawa, Head of Education at UNESCO Dhaka, delivered a presentation on the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2025 and this year’s theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Age.”

Addressing the event, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj emphasized the importance of locally adapted innovative solutions for delivering education to climate-vulnerable and geographically isolated communities.

“Such initiatives not only expand educational inclusion but also help build a more skilled and confident future generation,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to supporting and scaling effective education innovations.

Alongside Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) of Ireland and Morocco’s Ministry of Education were also recognized with the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy 2025 for their innovative literacy programs targeting rural populations and out-of-school youth.

Speaking at the ceremony, UNESCO Representative Dr. Susan Vize said literacy extends beyond reading and writing, enabling individuals to make informed decisions, seize new opportunities, and actively participate in society.

“In a rapidly changing world, innovative approaches are increasingly essential to ensuring inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” she noted.

The floating school project operated by Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha is a pioneering education initiative serving the Chalan Beel region, one of Bangladesh’s largest wetland ecosystems.

During the monsoon season, when vast areas become submerged and access to conventional schools becomes difficult, the boat-based classrooms provide a practical and sustainable alternative for continuing education.

Built using traditional local boat-building techniques, each floating school is equipped with solar power systems to support modern learning activities.

The organization currently operates 56 boats, including the following:

• 26 floating classrooms

• 10 floating libraries and computer labs

• 8 training centers

• Additional boats dedicated to healthcare services, sports activities, and transportation

Architect Mohammed Rezwan, Executive Director of Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, said sustainable solutions emerge from local knowledge, experience, and community participation.

“This international recognition belongs to the countless people working in remote communities across Bangladesh. It inspires us to expand our efforts and reach even more underserved populations,” he said.

UNESCO has been awarding the International Literacy Prizes since 1967 to recognize excellence and innovation in literacy education worldwide.

Funded by the Government of China, the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy carries a cash award of US$30,000. Each year, three institutions or initiatives are honored for outstanding contributions to literacy development, technology-enabled education, and educational access for rural and marginalized communities.

Bangladesh has previously received the prestigious award through Friendship in 2023 and Dhaka Ahsania Mission in 2013.

//DBTech/RRT//MUIM//